Library Services Team Manager

Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for 18 months.

*This role will be based at Witham library however will also include managing libraries at Kelvedon, Coggeshall and Silver End.

As a Library Services Team Manager, you will be more than just a 'Leader.' Instead, you will serve as a pivotal catalyst for transformational change within the service. You will act as an ambassador for continuous improvement, supporting your Area Manager to driving these changes on the front lines of service delivery, skilfully navigating resistance, and evaluating success through measurable outcomes.

You will strive for operational excellence across geographically dispersed teams and facilities. You will rely on your ability to make informed decisions based on data analysis and insight, and craft robust forward plans to address diverse challenges.

Your visible front-line leadership and 'can do' approach will inspire the teams you lead and foster a culture of proactive service delivery and change. Your commitment to the hands-on work and support for your teams will set an example of the professionalism and customer focus that we value in our libraries.

In partnership with your Area Manager, you will act as a role model, leading the transformation of library operations. This transformation will ensure our library service is well-positioned to adapt to changes, generate additional income, and nurture a multi-skilled, proactive, and flexible workforce. Through the introduction and adherence to high operational standards, your leadership will promote and continually improve a consistent and reliable customer experience.

To read more about our business area, please visit: Climate, Environment and Customer Services

Accountabilities

• Responsible for serving as an experienced people leader, maintaining an active, visible presence in the libraries for at least 80% of the working week, supporting the Area Manager in effective service delivery, driving high performance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and change. Evaluating staff and service performance and addressing areas of improvement promptly and effectively.
• Responsible for providing robust and proactive leadership to the team, ensuring the successful day-to-day operation of a broad range of library services and operational tasks within your area. These include but are not limited to, stock management, IT provision, library presentation, cash handling, safety, safeguarding, and building maintenance. Also responsible for ensuring events and activities are delivered and supported by local library staff.
• Accountable for cultivating a culture of strong stock ownership, ensuring timely, relevant, and high-quality stock through regular collaboration with Library Support Teams, and adhering to agreed-upon SOPs for stock management controls. Stock value is fully realised by testing new ways of working, using data analysis and insight.
• Responsible for consistent, frequent, and engaging communication with staff, keeping them informed and connected to sector plans, the wider library service, and ECC.
• Managing collaboration across the service to support the development of consistent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Business Continuity Plans, and for reviewing, embedding, monitoring, and measuring performance against these SOPs. This includes conducting annual reviews and fit for purpose testing.
• Responsible for working closely with library support teams to ensure the successful and consistent implementation of projects, initiatives, and pilots, as well as ensuring the appropriate recording, sharing and communication of customer experience metrics and measures of success.
• Responsible for conducting regular review sessions with library support teams and managers to ensure the quality of data, insights, and their effective application, especially where they identify improvement opportunities. Engage staff in local improvement work and encourage them to identify further opportunities to explore.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Educated to Level 5 qualification in either Customer Service or Management, or equivalent by experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development with good knowledge in relevant professional area.
• Experience of managing large teams and implementing change
• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities including planning and control, resource allocation, problem solving and resolving complex customer issues
• Experience of understanding data analytics to support improvement in Service delivery and to maximise resources to increase efficiency.
• Experienced in balancing multiple and conflicting objectives and prioritise work to achieve the best possible outcomes.
• Proficient experience of IT systems including Email, Microsoft applications, and Telephony/ACD solutions. Knowledge of Data Protection (GDPR) and Freedom of Information legislation.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

An element of a weekend and late working may be required as a part of the role.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.

We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

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If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email #####.

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